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Editorial Content for Famous Men

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Reviewer (text)

Norah Piehl

Wilhelmina “Will” Miles didn’t grow up wanting to become a writer. Her primary longing in her childhood and adolescent years was for a father. 

Raised by a single mother who claimed not to know the name of Will’s father, Will grew up in a working-class northern Michigan town overshadowed by Rosendale, the prestigious arts academy where her mother is on the housekeeping staff. Will, who often accompanies her mother to work, is drawn to how its students’ lives are so very different from her own.  Read More

Teaser

Will Miles is trapped in tiny Greening, Michigan, where a toxic high school rumor has turned her into a social exile. But when she stumbles across the early poems of Nathaniel Fellow, a famous writer 40 years her senior who also grew up in Greening, she feels she has found a kindred spirit. A passing comment from her mother only adds to Will’s fascination: Is Nathaniel the father she's never known? Will orchestrates a plan to track Nathaniel down, and their meeting sparks a complicated, consuming relationship that gives her sidelong access to a world she’s only ever imagined. But when a torrent of information about his past threatens not just her life with Nathaniel but the story she tells herself about him, Will is faced with a choice that will change everything.

Promo

Will Miles is trapped in tiny Greening, Michigan, where a toxic high school rumor has turned her into a social exile. But when she stumbles across the early poems of Nathaniel Fellow, a famous writer 40 years her senior who also grew up in Greening, she feels she has found a kindred spirit. A passing comment from her mother only adds to Will’s fascination: Is Nathaniel the father she's never known? Will orchestrates a plan to track Nathaniel down, and their meeting sparks a complicated, consuming relationship that gives her sidelong access to a world she’s only ever imagined. But when a torrent of information about his past threatens not just her life with Nathaniel but the story she tells herself about him, Will is faced with a choice that will change everything.

About the Book

From the acclaimed author of MARLENA comes a vivid, uncompromising novel about a young woman looking for a father and finding herself.

The right book at the right time can change your life.

Will Miles is trapped. Trapped in tiny Greening, Michigan, where a toxic high school rumor has turned her into a social exile. Trapped in the predictable routines of her mother, and under the unrelenting gaze of her mother’s increasingly sinister boyfriend. But when Will stumbles across the early poems of Nathaniel Fellow, a famous writer 40 years her senior who also grew up in Greening, she feels she’s found a kindred spirit. A passing comment from her mother only adds to Will’s fascination: Is Nathaniel the father she's never known?

Will orchestrates a plan to track Nathaniel down, following in his footsteps to New York City, where she learns he's not the answer to her past, not the way she imagined. But their meeting sparks a complicated, consuming relationship that gives Will sidelong access to a world she’s only ever imagined: of writers and intellectuals, a financial safety net, and, most intoxicatingly, a glimpse into her own potential. But who is Nathaniel Fellow, off the page? And what will shaping her life to suit his cost her? When a torrent of information about his past threatens not just her life with Nathaniel, but the story she tells herself about him, Will is faced with a choice that will change everything.

A gripping novel about ambition, parents and children, and all the ways women still pay for men’s mistakes, FAMOUS MEN traces one woman’s journey to the truth of where she comes from, what she’s capable of, and how she might start again.

Audiobook available, read by Mara Wilson

Editorial Content for The Death Row Club

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Ray Palen

We live in a world where true-crime podcasts and streaming series are all the rage. But how often do we spend time thinking about the families of the killers and whether or not they are complicit in these evil deeds? Read More

Teaser

When Nicola Fischer’s father is arrested for the murder of five women --- including her best friend --- the entire world watches it unfold on “To Catch a Killer,” the hit true-crime TV show hosted by Greer Woods. Overnight, Nicola becomes a pariah. And to make matters worse, Greer --- once a budding friend and fellow child of a serial killer --- hasn’t returned a single call since the show aired. Then comes an unexpected invitation to the Death Row Club, a secret retreat for the adult children of serial killers, founded by none other than Greer herself. Desperate for answers and human connection, Nicola agrees to go. But when a mysterious girl arrives, claiming her father is a killer too, the club’s fragile peace is shattered, unraveling the buried secrets at its core. By morning, the girl has vanished. By afternoon, one of the club members is dead.

Promo

When Nicola Fischer’s father is arrested for the murder of five women --- including her best friend --- the entire world watches it unfold on “To Catch a Killer,” the hit true-crime TV show hosted by Greer Woods. Overnight, Nicola becomes a pariah. And to make matters worse, Greer --- once a budding friend and fellow child of a serial killer --- hasn’t returned a single call since the show aired. Then comes an unexpected invitation to the Death Row Club, a secret retreat for the adult children of serial killers, founded by none other than Greer herself. Desperate for answers and human connection, Nicola agrees to go. But when a mysterious girl arrives, claiming her father is a killer too, the club’s fragile peace is shattered, unraveling the buried secrets at its core. By morning, the girl has vanished. By afternoon, one of the club members is dead.

About the Book

A dark, dazzlingly original psychological thriller about a woman invited to an annual weekend getaway for the adult children of serial killers. But when one of the participants ends up dead, they begin to wonder if someone among them might be carrying on the family traditions.

When Nicola Fischer’s father is arrested for the murder of five women --- including her best friend --- the entire world watches it unfold on “To Catch a Killer,” the hit true-crime TV show hosted by Greer Woods. Overnight, Nicola becomes a pariah: fired from her job, drowning in debt, and shunned by everyone she knows. And to make matters worse, Greer --- once a budding friend and fellow child of a serial killer --- hasn’t returned a single call since the show aired.

Then comes an unexpected invitation to the Death Row Club, a secret retreat for the adult children of serial killers --- founded by none other than Greer herself. Desperate for answers and human connection, Nicola agrees to go. At first, it seems like exactly what she needs. The club members are strange but welcoming, and Greer seems eager to mend their fractured friendship.

But when a mysterious girl arrives, claiming her father is a killer too, the club’s fragile peace is shattered, unraveling the buried secrets at its core. By morning, the girl has vanished. By afternoon, one of the club members is dead.

Now everyone is watching Nicola. After all, she’s the daughter of a monster. And monsters raise monsters. Don’t they?

Audiobook available, read by Stephanie Németh-Parker 

Editorial Content for We Will See You Bleed

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Ray Palen

WE WILL SEE YOU BLEED is a prequel to Ron Currie’s THE SAVAGE, NOBLE DEATH OF BABS DIONNE. As in Elmore Leonard’s best work, it is a mix of genres under the umbrella of a crime/thriller story. Currie’s dialogue and descriptions are just the right amount of snarky to keep readers engaged and grinning from start to finish.

The action is set in 1984 in the small town of Waterville, Maine. Twenty-nine-year-old Babs Dionne may be the only person standing amidst a complete scene of economic collapse in her community, which is known as Little Canada. Read More

Teaser

It's late summer 1984, and Babs Dionne’s hometown of Waterville, Maine, is on the verge of collapse. A strike at the paper mill has dragged on for a year, pitting neighbor against neighbor, leaving everyone broke and exhausted. As head of the union local, Babs has presided over Little Canada’s decline. When her best friend, Rita, returns home after five years away, she is shocked by the state of things. And as the strike comes to a head, Rita notices something else: the men may be broken, but the women are furious. They need Babs to be the fearless woman who emerged from the woods 15 years ago, drenched in blood. They need Babs to face what she already knows: that the only way to fix things is to assume control. Completely. Mercilessly.

Promo

It's late summer 1984, and Babs Dionne’s hometown of Waterville, Maine, is on the verge of collapse. A strike at the paper mill has dragged on for a year, pitting neighbor against neighbor, leaving everyone broke and exhausted. As head of the union local, Babs has presided over Little Canada’s decline. When her best friend, Rita, returns home after five years away, she is shocked by the state of things. And as the strike comes to a head, Rita notices something else: the men may be broken, but the women are furious. They need Babs to be the fearless woman who emerged from the woods 15 years ago, drenched in blood. They need Babs to face what she already knows: that the only way to fix things is to assume control. Completely. Mercilessly.

About the Book

Poignant, unflinching and brimming with sharp humor, WE WILL SEE YOU BLEED is a triumphant second installment in this electrifying crime thriller series by award-winning author Ron Currie.

It's late summer 1984, and Babs Dionne’s hometown of Waterville, Maine, is on the verge of collapse. A strike at the paper mill has dragged on for a year, pitting neighbor against neighbor, leaving everyone broke and exhausted.

As head of the union local, Babs has presided over Little Canada’s decline. She has sworn off violence since killing a man when she was a teenager and has stuck to this vow even as it has become clear that only violence can save their community. When Babs’ best friend, Rita, returns home after five years away, she is shocked by the state of things. And as the strike comes to a head, Rita notices something else: the men may be broken, but the women are furious, ready to do whatever necessary to take back Little Canada.

They just need Babs to be the fearless woman who emerged from the woods 15 years ago, drenched in blood. They need Babs to face what she already knows: that the only way to fix things is to assume control. Completely. Mercilessly.

Audiobook available, read by Lisa Flanagan

Editorial Content for Killer Vibes: The First Peter Key Mystery

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Stuart Shiffman

It’s always special to read the first installment of a series, and KILLER VIBES is no exception. The author is Jack Friday, the pseudonym for John Fram, who previously has written THE BRIGHT LANDS, NO ROAD HOME and THE MIDNIGHT KNOCK. They have been described as queer horror novels that deliver mind-bending thrills and nuanced character studies. Fram chose to write this book under a pen name because he wanted to be certain that readers didn’t have any preconceived notions about it. Read More

Teaser

Meet Peter Key, a self-proclaimed “laziest private investigator in Texas” (it’s harder than it looks), an unapologetic bisexual, a dedicated stoner, and the surprised recipient of a windfall inheritance from an uncle he barely knew. Peter’s life was a mess before, but now ---  as the owner of a dilapidated house in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Austin --- he has a mountain of debt to deal with and pressure to sell from every side. But Peter doesn’t like to be pushed around. And when he discovers a bag full of cash, he starts to suspect that his uncle’s death wasn’t an accident. He soon finds himself pulled into a lethal game where not everybody plays by the rules. Fortunately, Peter never has been good at following rules.

Promo

Meet Peter Key, a self-proclaimed “laziest private investigator in Texas” (it’s harder than it looks), an unapologetic bisexual, a dedicated stoner, and the surprised recipient of a windfall inheritance from an uncle he barely knew. Peter’s life was a mess before, but now ---  as the owner of a dilapidated house in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Austin --- he has a mountain of debt to deal with and pressure to sell from every side. But Peter doesn’t like to be pushed around. And when he discovers a bag full of cash, he starts to suspect that his uncle’s death wasn’t an accident. He soon finds himself pulled into a lethal game where not everybody plays by the rules. Fortunately, Peter never has been good at following rules.

About the Book

A wild and wickedly funny series debut, introducing readers to the irresistible and irrepressible private investigator, Peter Key.

Meet Peter Key, a self-proclaimed “laziest private investigator in Texas” (it’s harder than it looks), an unapologetic bisexual, a dedicated stoner, and the surprised recipient of a windfall inheritance from an uncle he barely knew. Peter’s life was a mess before, but now ---  as the owner of a dilapidated house in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Austin --- he has a mountain of debt to deal with and pressure to sell from every side.

But Peter doesn’t like to be pushed around. And when he discovers a bag full of cash, he starts to suspect that his uncle’s death wasn’t an accident. He soon finds himself pulled into a lethal game where not everybody plays by the rules.

Fortunately, Peter never has been good at following rules.

Sexy, suspenseful and packed with Austin’s quirks, KILLER VIBES is a wild and wickedly funny romp that introduces us to the irresistible and irrepressible PI, Peter Key.

Audiobook available, read by Max Meyers

Editorial Content for Some People

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Norah Piehl

Malti Patel is used to being entirely self-sufficient. Nearly 40 years ago, in the wake of a divorce, she left her native India and moved with her young daughter, Kavya, halfway across the world to California. Since then, Malti has taken care of herself and her small family entirely on her own. And she’s done just fine, thank you very much.  Read More

Teaser

Malti Patel is absolutely fine. Concussed and bruised, maybe, but fine. Certainly fine enough not to need her daughter's soon-to-be ex-husband, Nathan Whitlock, playing nurse in her home while she recuperates. But that's exactly the quandary in which she finds herself. Her doctor insists on in-home supervision for seven days. With her daughter, Kavya, abroad at grad school in India, Nathan proves too much of a do-gooder to let Malti rehabilitate alone. Malti and Nathan want nothing to do with one another. But over the course of the week, they learn that they are the two people who know Kavya best --- and the ones who have hurt her so deeply that she has left them both.

Promo

Malti Patel is absolutely fine. Concussed and bruised, maybe, but fine. Certainly fine enough not to need her daughter's soon-to-be ex-husband, Nathan Whitlock, playing nurse in her home while she recuperates. But that's exactly the quandary in which she finds herself. Her doctor insists on in-home supervision for seven days. With her daughter, Kavya, abroad at grad school in India, Nathan proves too much of a do-gooder to let Malti rehabilitate alone. Malti and Nathan want nothing to do with one another. But over the course of the week, they learn that they are the two people who know Kavya best --- and the ones who have hurt her so deeply that she has left them both.

About the Book

A man on the brink of divorce is forced to care for his injured future ex-mother-in-law in this wise, witty and heartfelt novel from the bestselling author of THE BANDIT QUEENS.

Malti Patel is absolutely fine. Concussed and bruised, maybe, but fine. Certainly fine enough to not need her daughter's soon-to-be-ex-husband, Nathan Whitlock, playing nurse in her home while she recuperates. But that's exactly the quandary in which she finds herself. Her doctor insists on in-home supervision for seven days. With her daughter, Kavya, abroad at grad school in India, Nathan proves too much of a do-gooder to let Malti rehabilitate alone. Seven days of Nathan, the man divorcing her daughter for all manner of reasons: cultural misunderstanding, emotional walls, simmering hostility...most of them having to do with Kavya's baggage from her childhood.

They want nothing to do with one another. But over the course of the week, as Malti grapples with the shadows of her past and Nathan ponders the wreckage of his marriage, they learn that they are the two people who know Kavya best --- and the ones who have hurt her so deeply that she has left them both.

Rich with emotional depth, SOME PEOPLE paints a nuanced portrait of love, forgiveness, and our timeless quest for understanding and acceptance.

Audiobook available, read by Soneela Nankani 

The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson

July 2026

I loved Jenny Jackson's debut, PINEAPPLE STREET, so I was excited to read her new novel, THE SHAMPOO EFFECT. This time the setting is seaside Massachusetts in a town called Greenhead, which is inspired by Ipswich, where Jenny grew up. Caroline is there for a writing fellowship and plans to get a long work of fiction done. Her mother is a bestselling thriller author, and Caroline has worked at a publishing house. But now she wants to be on the other side of it, as an author in her own right.

On the ferry ride over, Caroline encounters a young man, Van Whittaker, who she later learns has lived in Greenhead his entire life. Their whole “meet-cute” scene leads to another casual meeting and then some dates. Van has a close-knit group of friends who also are lifers in town. Through him, she comes to know them and is treated like an outsider right from the very start.

When You Loved Me by Beatriz Williams

July 2026

I love the Winthrop Island books by Beatriz Williams. With WHEN YOU LOVED ME, she shares a multilayered story that combines historical fiction, mystery, romance and family drama. This series has allowed Beatriz to build a rich, interconnected world where characters evolve across multiple books.

Here we meet Lucy Cooper, whose father, Bud, has died recently. He had lived his whole life on Winthrop Island. For years, he sought to find a legendary pirate treasure, which was rumored to have been buried somewhere on the island more than a century ago. In doing so, he had mortgaged the house and his savings. So Lucy has come home with her precocious young daughter, Elise, to settle his estate, and she finds a huge pile of debt.

July 17, 2026

Last Saturday, my husband Tom and I headed out to Lisa Scottoline's farm in Pennsylvania for a pre-publication party celebrating her latest book, THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING (which will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick), as well as the paperback release of her daughter Francesca Serritella's book, FULL BLOOM.

Those in attendance were booksellers, media and influencers. Lisa is an outstanding hostess. The guests had fun exploring her home, especially the shelves of books in every room, and the rest of the farm, including some stunning gardens.

Chanel Cleeton, author of An Infinite Love Story

It’s 1968, and the country waits with anticipation and excitement as America sets its sights on the Moon. And then comes the knock at the door. Joe Mitchell’s spacecraft has lost contact. He and his fellow astronauts onboard are feared to be dead. In her quiet moments, Joe’s wife, Vivian, relives their memorable story. As the investigation surrounding the lost spacecraft intensifies and the mishap is written off as an operator error, Vivian is determined to clear her husband’s name and uncover the mystery of what happened in space. When someone starts sending Vivian messages --- messages she believes only Joe could send --- she begins to wonder if their love is stronger than space and time, and she’ll do whatever it takes to bring her husband back to her.

Jessica Knoll, author of Helpless

It's been 12 years since Faye Heron broke Henry Spalding's heart. Henry was her college boyfriend, her first love, but Faye was in danger of being subsumed by him and the intensity of their connection. Now, Faye is one-half of a power-producing duo with her Hollywood husband. Henry is a married father running the family business. On the surface, both of their lives have essentially gone to plan. When a former and beloved college professor suddenly passes away, Faye and Henry find themselves back on campus for the funeral, circling something old and dangerous. But Henry is one of a kind. The kind who delivers a hypnotic apology for the way things ended. The kind who suggests they go back to the hotel for a drink. The kind who drugs and kidnaps her.